Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the most serious disease of the oral cavity. In South Dakota, an average of 18 people died annually from oral cancer spanning the years from 2003-2007 Prognosis depends on when it is diagnosed and the stage of the cancer. Early detection and prevention is key to reducing the morbidity and mortality rate.
All dental exams should include an oral cancer exam, consisting of a thorough visual and manual examination of the mouth, lips, gums, cheeks, throat, pharynx and tongue. People who use tobacco, alcohol, or are outdoors frequently should learn to do a self cancer screening since these factors place them in a high-risk category.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) exposure, specifically HPV-16 and HPV-18, is the fastest growing risk factor for oral cancer.
Often times the initial cancer lesion is painless. If you have any of the following signs which do not resolve or disappear in 14 days, they should be checked by your dentist:
Before cancer therapy, schedule a dental exam to address any untreated dental problems. The dental clinic will inform you of oral complications that may arise due to chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Decreased saliva and dry mouth symptoms increase the potential for tooth decay. The clinic can offer suggestions for treating mouth sores due to chemotherapy or decreased saliva from head and neck radiation treatments. They may recommend the use of gum or lozenges to increase the amount of saliva and soothe your dry mouth tissue (sugar sweetened lozenges such as lemon drops should be avoided). There are numerous artificially sweetened gums, mouth drops, and lozenges available, along with products containing Xylitol that are better for your oral health.
See the Oral Health, Cancer Care and You site from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for more information.
